Protective equipment and associated systems for minimizing the risk of transmission of infectious diseases

Abstract

Disclosed herein are protective devices and associated systems for minimizing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and / or other infectious diseases between individuals in close proximity to one another, such as transmission including through droplets expelled from the mouth or nose region of an infected individual. The protective devices can include a substantially transparent shield component and a handle component including a connecting component. The protective devices can include a light emitting diode and associated control means. The protective devices of the present disclosure can further include a camera communicatively connected to a display screen.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Nos. 16 / 943,133 and 16 / 943,178, and claims the benefit of and priority to both of the aforementioned U.S. Patent Applications, which were both filed on July 30, 2020 and both claim the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 924,649, filed on July 9, 2020. Each of the aforementioned patent applications, including this application, also claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 026,110, filed on May 17, 2020. The contents of each of the above-cited applications are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a protective device and associated system designed to minimize the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus and / or other infectious agents in environments where individuals are in close physical proximity to each other and have a high risk of transmission. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a protective device comprising a substantially transparent shielding component and a handle component comprising a connecting component that is mountable to, but not limited to, a vacuum hose or other substantially cylindrical object. BACKGROUND

[0004] COVID-19 can be transmitted through contact with droplets (e.g., coughing and sneezing), direct physical contact, indirect physical contact (e.g., touching a contaminated surface), and airborne transmission. However, the primary mode of COVID-19 transmission is through small droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, and talking in situations where individuals are in close physical proximity to each other. COVID-19 can be transmitted by virus-infected individuals who do not exhibit any symptoms. The future impact of COVID-19 remains an issue as there are no known solutions to mitigate or eliminate these adverse conditions that favor continued transmission.

[0005] Since COVID-19 can be transmitted at least by contact with droplets (e.g., coughing and sneezing), direct physical contact, indirect physical contact (e.g., contact with contaminated surfaces), and airborne, close physical contact between people increases the risk of transmitting COVID-19. Social distancing, also known as physical distancing, is one of the main strategies used worldwide to contain the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing includes maintaining a minimum physical distance between individuals and reducing the number of times individuals come into close physical contact with each other. However, not all activities allow for sufficient minimum physical distance to be maintained. For example, many healthcare workers must be in close proximity to their patients to perform their duties. In situations where close physical contact between people cannot be avoided, a system that effectively reduces the risk of transmitting COVID-19 is needed.

[0006] Particles are classified based on size. Coarse particles are 2.5 microns to 10 microns in size. Fine particles are less than 2.5 microns in size. Ultrafine particles are particles that are less than 0.1 microns in size. The human nose typically filters particles that are larger than 10 microns in size. If the size of the particle is less than 10 microns, it can enter the respiratory system. If the size of the particle is less than 2.5 microns, it can enter the alveoli. Ultrafine particles can enter the bloodstream and target organs. COVID-19 exists in the form of ultrafine particles.

[0007] Current research indicates that most respiratory transmission of COVID-19 is through large respiratory droplets. Such large droplets typically fall to the ground after traveling at most about six feet. However, activities such as coughing and sneezing atomize the droplets, so the droplets can travel farther, thereby increasing the risk of transmission (i.e., in the case where the droplets carry COVID-19). After atomization, COVID-19 can travel approximately 20 feet and remain airborne longer than if it were not atomized. In addition to coughing and sneezing, respiratory droplets are typically atomized in the practice of dentistry.

[0008] Dentists who use atomization in their practice and their staff are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. Patients of such dentists are also at high risk of being infected by the dentist and dental assistants in the immediate area while receiving treatment. Most of this risk is caused by splatter and droplet transmission to the central face of the dentist and assistants and to the nasal area of the patient. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that individuals in other professions, such as, but not limited to, other healthcare professionals who can be in close proximity to the nasal and mouth areas of individuals they are treating during their work, can recognize the advantages of the protective equipment and associated systems enabled by the present disclosure. SUMMARY

[0009] The shield apparatus implemented by the present disclosure advantageously addresses the deficiencies known in the art. According to one embodiment implemented by the present disclosure, a shield apparatus is provided that advantageously enhances the effectiveness of reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 or other infectious diseases by mitigating direct contact, indirect contact, and / or other contact between individuals. Non-limiting examples of such indirect contact include, but are not limited to, the spraying of droplets and other fluids from a patient’s mouth or nose onto a healthcare worker treating the patient or in close proximity thereto. Another non-limiting example of such indirect contact includes two people being in close enough proximity to one another that one person inhales the exhaled air of the other person. According to one embodiment implemented by the present disclosure, a shield apparatus is provided that includes a substantially transparent shield component and a handle component, wherein the handle component further includes a connection component. The connection component can be securable to a suction device including, but not limited to, a substantially cylindrical vacuum hose. According to one embodiment implemented by the present disclosure, a shield apparatus is provided that includes a camera communicatively connected to a display screen. In another aspect, the shield apparatus can further include light emitting diodes. These light emitting diodes can be disposed along one or more sides of the shield apparatus and / or can be located at corners or other junctures abutted by the sides of the shield apparatus. According to one embodiment implemented by the present disclosure, a shield apparatus as described herein can be connected to an articulating robotic arm. The articulating robotic arm can be positioned to have the shield apparatus positioned over a person (e.g., a dental patient) to create optimal treatment conditions in which a dentist or other healthcare worker can treat the patient under conditions that minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 or other infectious diseases. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a shield apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a shield apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a shield apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of a shield apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a shield apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a shield apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of a shield apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a protective apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 9 is a bottom view of a protective apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 10 is a top view of a protective apparatus of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following disclosure is provided to describe various embodiments of a protective apparatus intended to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses and sources of infection that can spread between multiple individuals in close physical contact and / or that can interact with common surfaces or objects. Skilled artisans will appreciate alternative embodiments and uses of the protective apparatus beyond the examples of the present disclosure. Any terms included in any claim should be interpreted as defined in the present disclosure. Singular forms should be understood to contemplate and disclose plural alternatives. Similarly, plural forms should be understood to contemplate and disclose singular alternatives. Conjunctive language should be understood to be inclusive unless otherwise stated.

[0021] Expressions such as “at least one of A, B, and C” should be understood to mean any one of A, B, or C individually or a combination thereof. In addition, such a group can include multiple instances of one or more elements of the group, which can be included together with other elements of the group. Unless otherwise specified, all numbers, measurements, and values are approximations.

[0022] The terms and expressions used throughout this disclosure should be construed broadly. The terms should be understood to correspond to the definitions provided in this specification. Technical dictionaries and common meanings understood within the applicable technical field are intended to supplement these definitions. In the event a suitable definition cannot be determined from this specification or technical dictionaries, the terms should be understood according to the ordinary meaning of the terms. However, any definitions provided in this specification will take precedence over all other sources.

[0023] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] For clarity of description throughout the entire disclosure discussed components and features, without limitation, some frequently used terms are now defined. The term "COVID-19" as used throughout the disclosure is defined as an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The term "aerosol" as used throughout the disclosure is defined as a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. The term "universal mount" as used throughout the disclosure is defined as a universal clamp and one or more compatible mounts. The term "individual" as used throughout the disclosure should not be interpreted in any limiting manner, but should be interpreted broadly and should be interpreted as synonymous with "subject" without limitation. The term "LED" as used throughout the disclosure is defined as a light emitting diode.

[0025] Various aspects of the disclosure will now be described in detail, without limitation. In the following disclosure, protective equipment for minimizing the risk of COVID-19 and / or other infectious diseases being spread, for example, due to close physical contact between individuals, will be discussed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative indicia of the equipment can be provided, which are consistent with the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The skilled reader should not consider any alternative indicia as limiting in any form.

[0026] The protective equipment 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 contemplated by the present disclosure can be operably connected to a plurality of objects, including but not limited to substantially cylindrical objects, such as vacuum hoses or other similarly shaped suction devices. In another embodiment, the protective equipment contemplated by the present disclosure can be operably connected to an articulating robotic arm. The protective equipment implemented by the present disclosure can be attached to the objects by any suitable connecting means, which will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. Such means can include, but are not limited to, a universal mount.

[0027] The protective equipment implemented by the present disclosure can include a substantially transparent shielding component 101 and a handle component 102.

[0028] The substantially transparent shielding component of the present disclosure can be substantially flat or can be curved. The substantially transparent shielding component of the present disclosure can include protrusions to accommodate the curvature of an individual's face, for example, when the shielding component is placed over a person using a chair, such as a dental patient using a dental chair.

[0029] The substantially transparent shielding component of the present disclosure can be removable from the protective equipment enabled by the present disclosure to facilitate washing of the shielding component and replacement of the shielding component.

[0030] The substantially transparent shielding member can be comprised of any substantially transparent solid material such as, but not limited to, certain types of plastic, clear glass, or polycarbonate material. In one embodiment, the shielding member can be constructed of a material that is non-toxic to humans. Suitable plastics for making the shielding member can include, but are not limited to, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose acetate butyrate, polycarbonate, or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (or PETG plastic). Without limitation, the shielding member can be comprised of a lightweight material to facilitate the collapsing and expanding of the shielding device toward or away from the front surface of a dental chair or other object and a patient or other individual seated on or otherwise using the object.

[0031] When using the shielding device of the present disclosure such as, but not limited to, in a dentist's office, the shielding device is intended to be in close proximity to, but not touching, an individual seated in a chair or otherwise using an object. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the downwardly facing surface of the shielding member and the individual using the dental chair or other object can be between about 1 inch to about 10 inches, but is not specifically limited. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other distances between the downwardly facing surface of the shielding member and the individual are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure that allow the individual to remain comfortable and, where applicable, allow the dentist or other medical professional to comfortably treat the patient.

[0032] The substantially transparent shielding member 101 of the present disclosure can in fact be in the form of any number of dimensions. The length of the shielding member can be from about 12 inches to about 6 feet, and the length of the shielding member is preferably between about 12 inches to about 2 feet, 6 inches, but is not specifically limited. The width of the shielding member can be from about 12 inches to about 3 feet, and the width of the shielding member is preferably between about 12 inches to about 2 feet, but is not specifically limited.

[0033] As contemplated by the present disclosure, the substantially transparent shielding member 101 of the present disclosure can further include a lighting device to enhance the visibility of, for example, a dentist or dental assistant performing dental treatment within the mouth of a patient using a dental chair contemplated by the present disclosure, wherein the shielding device is disposed above the dental chair. The lighting device can be located on, but is not limited to, the downwardly facing surface of the shielding device.

[0034] The shielding apparatus of the present disclosure can further include a magnification material such as, but not limited to, a magnifying lens, a light emitting diode, and / or a camera communicatively connected to a liquid crystal display screen, but without being specifically limited thereto, wherein the magnification material can be located at a position within a portion of the shielding apparatus that is intended to optimally enhance the visibility around the head region of the individual upon which the shielding apparatus has been placed. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the position can be approximately two-thirds of the distance from the distal end of the shielding member to the proximal end of the connecting member of the shielding member closest to the handle member.

[0035] The shielding apparatus implemented by the present disclosure can further include a camera communicatively connected to a display screen. The display screen can include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display screen. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the display screen can also include any number of other materials such as, but not limited to, electroluminescent materials.

[0036] The camera and display screen will now be discussed in greater detail. The camera contemplated by the present disclosure can in fact be located at any number of positions within or on the shielding apparatus implemented by the present disclosure. Such a camera 103, 301, 501 can be integrated directly into the shielding apparatus 601, 701, 801, 901 or can be attached to the shielding apparatus, but without being specifically limited thereto. In the case where the camera is integrated in the shielding apparatus, including the case where the camera is embedded in the shielding apparatus 601, the display screen 602, 702, 802, 902, 1001 associated with the camera can also be integrated in the shielding apparatus, but without being specifically limited thereto, or the display screen 104 can be attached to the shielding apparatus. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, in the case where the display screen and / or the camera are attached to the shielding apparatus, such attachment can be achieved using any number of joints and / or hinges. In the case where the camera is integrated in the shielding apparatus, the camera lens can be located on the surface of the shielding apparatus facing downwards in a position that does not impede the substantial transparency of the shielding member and thus does not affect the visibility of the patient and the visibility of the workspace of the dentist or other medical personnel.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the display screen can be physically separated from the shielding apparatus, but can still be communicatively connected to the camera.

[0038] The shielding apparatus of the present disclosure can further include a console for controlling the camera functions. Such a console can include a series of control members 1002. Such control members can include, but are not limited to, members that control the power to the camera (i.e. on / off), members that allow for the recording of video and audio, and members that allow for the taking of still photographs as well as motion images with sound.

[0039] Alternatively, both the camera 103 and the display screen 104 can be included in a rotating component 105 that is operably connected to the handle component 102 along the perimeter of the protective device by any number of joints and / or hinges 106, such as but not limited to a hinged joint or a saddle joint, or by other suitable connecting means. The components connected to the protective device can be rotated along a horizontal axis. In such an embodiment, the operability of the camera can correspond to the positioning of the camera. For example, positioning the camera so that the lens is facing downward through a substantially transparent shielding component can result in the camera being powered so that the camera is operable, while positioning the camera so that the lens is facing forward or not downward can result in the camera not being powered so that the camera is inoperable. In this embodiment, the display screen 104 can be located on the side of the rotating component opposite the camera 103 so that, when in operation, a dentist treating a patient whose head region is located below the protective device can experience enhanced visibility into the patient's mouth (due to the camera) as displayed on the display screen 104.

[0040] As will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art, the camera contemplated by the present disclosure can include a high definition camera, such as but not limited to a 720p or 1080p high definition camera. Such a camera can include an auto-focus function. Such a camera can have an operable digital zoom function while the camera is recording video. Such a camera can be capable of recording and playing back video in slow motion. Such a camera can have an image stabilization function. The foregoing optional features are not intended to be limiting.

[0041] The display screen contemplated by the present disclosure can include optional features such as backlighting and anti-reflective coating. The display screen can in fact have any number of dimensions. The display screen can have dimensions that facilitate integration into or attachment to the protective device contemplated in the present disclosure. By way of example, the display screen can have a diagonal length of approximately 6 inches. Alternatively, the display screen can have a diagonal length of approximately 8 inches, although no specific limitation is intended.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the protective device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 of the present disclosure can be, but is not limited to, substantially rectangular. As used herein, "substantially rectangular" is intended to mean two sets of two parallel sides. The junctures between the sides can form 90 degree angles, or can be rounded at the immediate vicinity of the juncture, or not form a right angle. In such embodiments, one or more sides of the protective device can include a series of LEDs 201, 302, 401, 703, 803, 903, 1003. Such a series of LEDs can form a substantially linear row of LEDs. In such embodiments, each row of LEDs can include 15 to 35 LEDs, but is not specifically limited. Each row of LEDs can preferably include 20 to 25 LEDs. LEDs having the properties described herein can include cool white LEDs, warm white LEDs, cool white and warm white combination LEDs, amber LEDs, and / or blue LEDs, but are not specifically limited. As used herein, cool white LEDs can be LEDs in which the emitted light exhibits a color temperature of approximately 4000 Kelvin, but are not specifically limited. As used herein, warm white LEDs can be LEDs in which the emitted light exhibits a color temperature of approximately 3000 Kelvin, but are not specifically limited. As used herein, amber LEDs can be LEDs in which the emitted light exhibits a color temperature of approximately 2300 Kelvin, but are not specifically limited. As used herein, blue LEDs can be LEDs in which the emitted light exhibits a color temperature of approximately 5750 Kelvin, but are not specifically limited. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the functional significance of each of the above color temperatures to dental practice.

[0043] In addition to these series of LEDs, the protective device of the present disclosure can include up to four corner LEDs 704, 804, 904, 1004, located at or near each corner of a substantially rectangular protective device implemented by the present disclosure, or other junctures where two sides abut.

[0044] The guard apparatus of the present disclosure can further include one or more control consoles 603, 805, 1005 for operating the LEDs, each control console including one or more control components 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009. In one embodiment, the guard apparatus can include two control consoles, each control console including four control components. In such an embodiment, one such control console can control the output from a row of LEDs arranged on one or more side edges of the guard apparatus, as contemplated by the present disclosure. In this embodiment, one control component 1006 can control the powering of one or more rows of LEDs; i.e., whether the LEDs are on or off. A second control component 1007 of the four control components can control the color of the light emitted from the row of LEDs. Without limitation, these colors can include cool white, warm white, a combination of cool white and warm white, amber, or blue. The color can change upon successive manipulation of the control component; i.e., successive pressing of a button or similar control component. For example, a first pressing of the second control component can cause the row of LEDs to emit cool white light; a second pressing of the second control component can cause the row of LEDs to emit warm white light; a third pressing of the second control component can cause the row of LEDs to emit a combination of cool white and warm white light; a fourth pressing of the second control component can cause the row of LEDs to emit amber light; and a fifth pressing of the second control component can cause the row of LEDs to emit blue light. In this embodiment, a third control component 1008 and a fourth control component 1009 can control the intensity of the light emitted from the row of LEDs. Without limitation, pressing the third control component can cause the intensity of the light emitted from the row of LEDs to increase (i.e., to brighten), while pressing the fourth control component can cause the intensity of the light emitted from the row of LEDs to decrease (i.e., to dim). The degree of increase or decrease in intensity of the light can be directly proportional to the number of times the third control component or the fourth control component is pressed, up to a preselected maximum and down to a preselected minimum, respectively.

[0045] For another example, the protective apparatus of the present disclosure can include a second console 603, 805, 1005 that includes one or more control components 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009. In this embodiment, a first control component 1006 can control the power to one or more LEDs located at or near a corner or other juncture that is contiguous with a side of the protective apparatus 1004, i.e., whether these LEDs are on or off. A second control component 1007 of the four control components can control the color of the light emitted from these LEDs. Without limitation, these colors can include cool white, warm white, or a combination of cool white and warm white. The color can change upon successive manipulation of this second control component, i.e., successive depression of a button or similar control component. For example, a first depression of this second control component can cause these LEDs to emit cool white light; a second depression of this second control component can cause these LEDs to emit warm white light; and a third depression of this second control component can cause these LEDs to emit a combination of cool white and warm white light. In this embodiment, a third control component 1008 and a fourth control component 1009 can control the intensity of the light emitted from these LEDs. Without limitation, depression of the third control component can cause the intensity of the light emitted from these LEDs to increase (i.e., to brighten), while depression of the fourth control component can cause the intensity of the light emitted from these LEDs to decrease (i.e., to dim). The degree of increase or decrease in light intensity can be proportional to the number of times the control component is depressed, up to a preselected maximum and down to a preselected minimum, respectively.

[0046] The control components contemplated herein can be, but are not limited to, embedded in the display screens described herein, and can be, but are not limited to, operated by capacitive touch. The capacitive touch feature can be responsive even in the event that the operator is wearing gloves, such as a dentist can be wearing when working on a patient, without specific limitation. In such embodiments, physical control components, such as traditional buttons, are not required. Alternatively, the control components contemplated herein can be operated by resistive touch, or can include physically actuated traditional buttons.

[0047] The connection components 202, 303, 604, 705 of the handle components of the protective apparatus implemented by the present disclosure can include a universal mount. The connection components can include a wide range of inside diameters. In one preferred embodiment, the connection components of the handle components can be configured to accommodate a vacuum hose or other substantially cylindrical suction device having an outside diameter of approximately 5 inches, without specific limitation. The handle components can also include a venting device to prevent articles (such as, but not limited to, towels or other fabrics) that are in close proximity to, for example, the vacuum hose contemplated herein from being drawn into the vacuum hose.

[0048] The guard apparatus of the present disclosure can be mounted to an articulating arm. The end of the articulating arm that is not connected to the guard apparatus can be secured to any number of objects including, but not limited to, a wall, a ceiling, or a freestanding stand.

[0049] While various aspects of systems of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that the description of the present disclosure is intended to illustrate, and not to limit, the scope of the systems. The present disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims, not by the specification and examples provided above. Those skilled in the art will understand that other aspects of systems implemented in accordance with the present disclosure can be made upon reading the above description of the present disclosure. Other aspects, advantages, embodiments and modifications are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rectangular shield apparatus comprising: a transparent shield member; a handle member positioned around a rectangular perimeter of the transparent shield member and the handle member further comprising a connecting member; a camera communicatively connected to a display screen, wherein the camera and display screen are physically attached to the shield apparatus; at least three linear rows of light emitting diodes, wherein at least one linear row of light emitting diodes of three or more sides of the shield apparatus comprises at least three linear rows of light emitting diodes, wherein the shield apparatus is operatively connected to an articulating robotic arm, wherein the shield apparatus further comprises: four junction points contiguous with four sides of the shield apparatus, and wherein the four junction points comprise one or more junction point light emitting diodes positioned in each of the four junction points; and a console comprising: a first control member for controlling power to the at least three linear rows of light emitting diodes; a second control member for controlling a color of light emitted from the light emitting diodes including the at least three linear rows of light emitting diodes; a third control member that when manipulated increases an intensity of light emitted from the at least three linear rows of light emitting diodes of light emitting diodes; and a fourth control member that when manipulated decreases the intensity of light emitted from the at least three linear rows of light emitting diodes of light emitting diodes; a second console comprising four control members, wherein: a first control member of the second console controls power to the one or more junction point light emitting diodes positioned in each of the four junction points; a second control member of the second console controls a color of the one or more junction point light emitting diodes positioned in each of the four junction points; a third control member of the second console that when manipulated increases an intensity of light emitted from the one or more junction point light emitting diodes positioned in each of the four junction points; and a fourth control member of the second console for decreasing the intensity of light emitted from the one or more junction point light emitting diodes positioned in each of the four junction points when manipulated; wherein no part of the rectangular shield apparatus is worn on an individual's head. The camera and the display screen are contained within a double-sided rotating component attached to the protective device, wherein the camera is located on the inward-facing side of the double-sided rotating component toward the transparent shield component, and the display screen is located on the outward-facing side of the double-sided rotating component; wherein the rotating component joint and / or hinge is connected to the handle component along the perimeter of the protective device, and the rotating component connected to the protective device can rotate along a horizontal axis, such that positioning the camera so that the lens is downward through the transparent shield component can enable the camera to be powered, while positioning the camera so that the lens is forward or not downward can result in the camera being unable to be powered, thereby resulting in the camera being unusable.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The light emitted from the at least three linear rows of light emitting diodes comprises cool white light, warm white light, a combination of cool white light and warm white light, amber light, or blue light.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The light emitted from the one or more junction diodes located at each of the four junctions comprises cool white light, warm white light, or a combination of cool white light and warm white light.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The camera is operably attached to the handle component along the perimeter and integrated in the protective device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The display screen is operably attached to the handle component along the perimeter and integrated in the protective device.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The camera is connected to the protective device by a joint or a hinge.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The connecting component comprises a cylindrical hole with an inner diameter of 5 inches.

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